Engage in independent research based on your personal interests, or contribute to original research with internationally renowned teams and experts in your academic field. Many of our students carry their research into graduate school or the private sector and receive national recognition for their work. You can enjoy the same rewards for a lab or field project you take on

with UCEAP.

Packaged Research Programs

In the following locations, research is the heart of the program and your courses revolve around your research project. Expand your understanding of research methods and pursue a topic relevant to your major in a unique environment. All courses are taught in English unless noted otherwise.

Australia: Marine Biology & Terrestrial Ecology. Experience innovative research and world-class instruction in the diverse marine ecosystems in Queensland. Attend lectures, lab studies and field study on the Heron Island Research Station, the Great Barrier Reef and other coastal locations.

Costa Rica: Tropical Biology & Conservation. Monteverde is a rural community where bicultural meets bilingual. The biologically diverse area is a hot spot for strong conservation efforts and eco-tourism. Personalized lectures in the forest, lab experience and field trips will help you build a strong research portfolio.

Japan: Engineering & Science. The Japanese tradition of monozukuri(the “spirit of creation”) embodies full-time research options in three exciting cities in Japan (Tokyo, Sendai or Osaka). Conduct science and engineering research on a focused topic through lab experiments, peer

consultation and dialogue with faculty and leading scientists.

Mexico: Choose your own topic. This program is geared toward students who seek specialized training on how to develop, investigate and present a research project. After a short methodology course, you will travel to the Yucatán, Oaxaca, Querétaro or other field sites to complete your research while living with an indigenous community. Classes are taught in Spanish.

Singapore: Science, Technology & Engineering. No need to wait for graduation. Design solutions for current global challenges this summer. Join a dynamic community with a “no walls” culture and a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Develop the art of scientific inquiry and curiosity with hands-on research across 21 science institutes in modern Singapore.

Solomon Islands and Australia: Environmental & Community Health (Multi-Site). Australia and the Solomon Islands face unique environmental and health impacts from climate change. Gain field research methodologies and skills across diverse and fragile ecosystems, explore urban and rural development approaches, and see firsthand the impact on public health as you engage with local students and remote communities. Finally, develop plans to address the challenges you observe.

"At the University of Queensland, my classroom was the 3,000 miles of land and ocean that is the Great Barrier Reef. I learned to be an integral contributor to the scientific community while conducting publishable research. I am inspired to continue beyond my undergraduate career.​" Molika Keeler, UC Berkeley, Brisbane, Australia

Taiwan: Engineering & Science. Join a team and contribute to a special science or engineering project under the direction of faculty and doctoral students. Enjoy research in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as excursions and cultural activities that introduce life in the stunning capital city of Taipei.​

Design Your Own Research Project

Design a research project in your field as an independent study opportunity with a host university professor or as a class assignment. Our UC Study Centers in many locations will work with you to identify the right opportunity and assist with placement. The following are some of the research opportunities students have pursued.

Chile: University of Chile. In the capital city of Santiago, you can arrange a research project in cultural anthropology, health studies or other fields of interest. Courses are taught in English and Spanish.

Denmark: University of Copenhagen. In the beautiful capital of Denmark, this university is one of Europe’s leading universities and known for innovative research, particularly in the biological and environmental sciences. Classes are small and interaction levels are high. Courses are

taught in English.

Ghana: University of Ghana. Community service, fieldwork and volunteer positions can be developed into an independent research project. The university has a strong commitment to diversity and community enrichment. The term begins with an intensive Twi language course, but all other courses are taught in English.

Korea: Yonsei University. Students have created research projects in biochemistry, biology, political science and other fields. Located in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, courses are taught in English. Korean language study is optional with the summer program.

Sweden: Lund University. With a strong focus on biology and engineering, you can arrange a field project, lab research or independent study with a local faculty member. The university seeks students who want to improve our world and the human condition. Courses are taught

in English.

UK-England: University of Cambridge, Pembroke/King’s College. Modeled after the Cambridge/Oxford way of teaching, you define a research topic, propose it and get assigned a local faculty supervisor. The program, taught in English, involves minimal contact hours and

offers exceptional flexibility.

Undergraduate Research Awards

At UCEAP, we honor undergraduate students who demonstrate extraordinary initiative in research while studying abroad on our program. We specifically recognize student research projects with the highest levels of creativity that also contribute to the substance and knowledge in a field.

Whether you choose a packaged research program or pursue an independent research project through a host university, you are eligible to receive one of UCEAP’s Undergraduate Research Awards.

After you participate in a research program on UCEAP, you can apply for a $1,000 award upon your return. We offer research awards in three fields: humanities, social sciences, and sciences and engineering.

See the Research Awards​ page for details. More information is available through your campus study abroad office.​